Design and Technology at Elloughton Primary School
Inspired to learn through design
At Elloughton Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum develops pupils’ creativity, problem-solving skills and practical knowledge through purposeful, real-life contexts. Pupils learn how to design and make products that solve problems and meet the needs of users.
We aim for all pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become confident designers and makers.
Through Design and Technology, pupils:
The subject also supports the values within our school moral compass, encouraging perseverance, teamwork and independence when developing ideas and creating solutions.
We aim for all pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to become confident designers and makers.
Through Design and Technology, pupils:
- develop creative, technical and practical expertise
- build knowledge of materials, structures, mechanisms, textiles, food and electrical systems
- design, make and evaluate products with increasing independence
- understand the importance of safety, sustainability and healthy living
The subject also supports the values within our school moral compass, encouraging perseverance, teamwork and independence when developing ideas and creating solutions.
Our Design and Technology Curriculum
Design and Technology is taught through carefully planned units that follow the National Curriculum and ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6.
Pupils follow a clear process in their learning:
Investigate → Design → Make → Evaluate
Through this process pupils learn to:
Teaching includes practical, hands-on learning experiences, explicit teaching of technical vocabulary and opportunities to explore how existing products are designed and made.
Health and safety are prioritised in all Design and Technology activities, and pupils learn how to use tools and equipment safely and effectively.
Design and Technology is taught through carefully planned units that follow the National Curriculum and ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6.
Pupils follow a clear process in their learning:
Investigate → Design → Make → Evaluate
Through this process pupils learn to:
- explore and evaluate existing products
- design purposeful products for a specific user
- develop practical making skills using tools and materials
- test and evaluate their products against design criteria
- reflect on and improve their designs
Teaching includes practical, hands-on learning experiences, explicit teaching of technical vocabulary and opportunities to explore how existing products are designed and made.
Health and safety are prioritised in all Design and Technology activities, and pupils learn how to use tools and equipment safely and effectively.
Working as Designers
In Design and Technology lessons, pupils learn to think and work as designers.
They explore how products are created to solve real problems and meet the needs of users. Pupils investigate existing products, generate ideas, develop prototypes and refine their work through testing and evaluation.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop increasing independence in the design process. They learn to communicate ideas through drawings and models, select appropriate materials and tools, and evaluate their products against design criteria.
This approach helps pupils develop creativity, resilience and confidence when solving practical problems.
In Design and Technology lessons, pupils learn to think and work as designers.
They explore how products are created to solve real problems and meet the needs of users. Pupils investigate existing products, generate ideas, develop prototypes and refine their work through testing and evaluation.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop increasing independence in the design process. They learn to communicate ideas through drawings and models, select appropriate materials and tools, and evaluate their products against design criteria.
This approach helps pupils develop creativity, resilience and confidence when solving practical problems.
Curriculum Overview
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the Early Years, children begin to explore design through play, creativity and investigation. They develop their ability to:
Key Stage 1
Pupils begin designing and making simple products for a user. They learn to:
Key Stage 2
Pupils develop more advanced designing and making skills and apply their knowledge with increasing independence.
They learn about:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the Early Years, children begin to explore design through play, creativity and investigation. They develop their ability to:
- explore different materials and tool
- construct with purpose
- talk about how things work
- develop fine motor skills and creativity
Key Stage 1
Pupils begin designing and making simple products for a user. They learn to:
- design purposeful products
- explore structures and simple mechanisms
- use tools safely and effectively
- develop basic food preparation skills
Key Stage 2
Pupils develop more advanced designing and making skills and apply their knowledge with increasing independence.
They learn about:
- strengthening and reinforcing structures
- designing products for specific needs
- textiles and joining techniques
- how other significant individuals have contributed to design & technology
- preparing and cooking a range of savoury dishes
- mechanical systems such as levers, pulleys and gears
- electrical systems including circuits, switches and components
- designing with increasing precision and accuracy
- evaluating and refining products against design criteria
Cooking and Nutrition
Cooking and nutrition form an important part of the Design and Technology curriculum. Pupils develop practical cooking skills and learn about healthy, balanced diets.
As pupils progress through the school, they learn how to prepare and cook a range of savoury dishes while developing an understanding of nutrition and healthy eating.
Cooking and nutrition form an important part of the Design and Technology curriculum. Pupils develop practical cooking skills and learn about healthy, balanced diets.
As pupils progress through the school, they learn how to prepare and cook a range of savoury dishes while developing an understanding of nutrition and healthy eating.
Supporting All Learners
At Elloughton Primary School, we believe every child should have the opportunity to succeed in Design and Technology.
Teachers support pupils through modelling, demonstrations and structured guidance. Adaptations such as simplified instructions, scaffolded tasks or adapted equipment may be used so that all pupils can participate fully.
At Elloughton Primary School, we believe every child should have the opportunity to succeed in Design and Technology.
Teachers support pupils through modelling, demonstrations and structured guidance. Adaptations such as simplified instructions, scaffolded tasks or adapted equipment may be used so that all pupils can participate fully.
The Impact of Our Design and Technology Curriculum
By the time pupils leave Elloughton Primary School, they are confident
designers who can think creatively and apply practical skills to solve problems.
Pupils understand how products are designed, made and evaluated. They develop knowledge of materials, structures, mechanisms, textiles, food and electrical systems and learn how these are used in everyday products.
Through their learning, pupils develop independence, resilience and confidence in their ability to design, create and improve products.
Key Vocabulary
In Design and Technology, pupils develop and use subject-specific vocabulary to help them understand design processes, materials and techniques.
Examples of key vocabulary include:
design
prototype
mechanism
structure
material
evaluate
nutrition
circuit
Developing secure technical vocabulary helps pupils explain their ideas and evaluate products effectively.
In Design and Technology, pupils develop and use subject-specific vocabulary to help them understand design processes, materials and techniques.
Examples of key vocabulary include:
design
prototype
mechanism
structure
material
evaluate
nutrition
circuit
Developing secure technical vocabulary helps pupils explain their ideas and evaluate products effectively.
Further Information
If you would like further information about the Design and Technology curriculum, please contact the school office who will direct your enquiry to the relevant subject leader.
If you would like further information about the Design and Technology curriculum, please contact the school office who will direct your enquiry to the relevant subject leader.
